The Brymers - Rock, Roll, and Record - Releases a CD of their Music (1963-1967)
This is a brief story of a how a local rock-n-roll band was formed in Lemoore (The De-Fenders - later changed to The Brymers - 1963 - by a record company) then proceeded to record several records and travel around the country. To my surprise, one of the group's recordings, "Sacrifice" has been a collectors item for the past 35-40 years. My self and the other Brymers Band members had no idea that "Sacrifice" had been popular for the past 40 years through-out the United States, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. This new found information was accidentally discovered on a late September, 2006 night while I was surfing the web. I wondered if The Brymers would show up on any web search. I typed in The Brymers and began seeing various web pages associating The Brymers with a "B" side of one of our recordings called, "Sacrifice." I accessed one web site in The Netherlands and found that Sacrifice was on this internet radio playlist. Additional web surfing revealed that Sacrifice was numerous other internet radio station playlist, in Italy, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.. I e-mailed the owner of one station in the Netherlands and asked about The Brymers. I received a reply back stating, "I have always been a fan of The Brymers and the song Sacrifice." The owner then referred me to an individual in Chicago whose web site specializes in 1960's bands. The owner, Mike Dugo, wrote back and stated the same thing and asked if he could do an in-depth interview about The Brymers and all their recordings. JoeyD (a deejay from the Sacramento area and owner of Frantic Records) contacted me and said: "Where have you guys been?" "We have been trying to find you for the past 35-40 years." Continuing, he mentioned that he was associated with Alec Palao (Ace Records) and wanted to know more about the group, if any more recordings existed, and a history of the band. After an hour long interview, Alec Palao (Ace Records) called and also asked in-depth questions about the group. Alec mentioned that Ace Records wanted to do a compilation of California groups and would like to include Sacrifice and I Want to Tell You on the CD. Three weeks later I met with JoeyD and Alec Palao in Sacramento and provided more information, pictures, etc..
The owner of a 60's Rock-n-Roll magazine out of San Diego contacted me and mentioned that he had a national magazine and loved The Brymers music and wished to also do an in-depth article on the band, its beginnings, travels, and recordings. Once again, I was astonished that anyone even knew of The Brymers. He referred me to another site and I mentioned that I was the drummer for The Brymers. For the next two weeks I began receiving e-mails from all over the United Stated, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia inquiring about the band, its recording of Sacrifice, and pictures of the group. One individual from Portland, Oregon wrote, "Are you just finding out about the band's continued popularity?" "Sacrifice" has long been a favorite." Another individual from New York wrote: "The Brymers is a well-known 45 to all garage fiends (evidently, everyone refers to the 60's music as garage punk music)." "I was lucky enough to find a copy years ago as do several other individuals on this forum." Hans from Italy wrote: "Hello Dick!" "Sacrifice" has long been a favorite with its wailing harp and syncopated beat." "I purchased a copy of it on a compilation CD a few years ago." Robert from Australia, wrote: "The Brymers' Sacrifice has always been a favorite of mine and my friends in Sidney."
It is now four month later and I have made contact with all the group members. Many still reside in Hanford, Visalia, and Porterville areas. Others have moved to different states for their careers. As a result of the above inquiries about The Brymers, a Chicago based record label has asked if they could release a CD of The Brymers music. In late March or early April, 2007, The 60sgaragebands record label will be releasing a CD with all of The Brymers recordings. There will be an accompanying 14-18 page booklet/liner notes with pictures of the group from 1963 through 1967. The CD can be purchased at the following web site: www.60sgaragebands.com. There will also be an in-depth article of the group in various magazines. Below is a brief excerpt of that article:
On a Saturday night in May, 1962 I was attending a Melco Dance by Mel Simas, a local radio deejay, in Lemoore. A good friend named Charlie Brown introduced me to Ken Valentine, a local guitar player. Ken and I stated talking about music and as the evening progressed we decided to start a band. Mike Wagner, another Lemoore resident and friend, was a guitar player, too. The music bug sort of hit all of us at the same time.
The next weekend all three of us were in my parent's garage on Champion Street in Lemoore attempting to learn a few songs. Soon, another guitar player joined the group. His name was Frank Bento. Frank played with the group for a month or two then left. After a few months of playing we decided we needed a name. Hence, a new band with a new name was born. We were called The Challengers. Bass player Robert Virden (from Stratford) joined soon afterwards. We rehearsed at nights and on the weekends until we had enough songs for a gig. Our first gig was at the local navy base. Needless to say we were excited, but the excitement subsided when we found out that only male navy personnel were in the audience. We made the most of it and had a great time.
In late 1962, Mel Simas approached the group and asked if we would like for "Melco Int." to become our manager. The group voted yes and our longtime friendship with Mel began. The surf sound was "in" so a lot of music played was from The Ventures, Dick Dale, etc..
In September, 1963, an electric piano player joined the group. His name was Bobby Cox (from Chowchilla). During that same time period, Sharon Lee (guitar and vocals) joined the group. She added the female voice for high harmonies and for some of the girl songs out at the time (i.e., "A Thousand Stars"). What made it even better was that she was my sister.
To our surprise, we received a letter that stated we had to stop calling ourselves The Challengers as another group in town owned the name. Therefore, "The de-Fenders" (for Fender amps) was decided upon. After a period we began learning how to play our various instruments and started playing at local dances.
In November, 1963, The de-Fenders were comprised of: Mike Wagner, lead guitar and vocals; Ken Valentine, lead guitar, vocals, sax; Robert Virden, Bass guitar/vocals, and Dick Lee, drums. This line-up made two recordings in Jan 1964: "More," an instrumental, and "Irritation," an original tune and surf sound. "Irritation" was our first attempt at an original song and "More" was taken from a movie, but with a surf sound added. The purpose of the recordings was for demo purposes and to press two tracts. The group rented a studio in Fresno, California and proceeded. During the same time period, Mel Simas, (Melco Dances), a local dance promoter became our manager. Mel heard the recordings and agreed to attempt to shop-out the tracks to various record companies in Hollywood. Two days after the session, Mel was in Los Angeles and visited with executives of Dot Records, Liberty Records, Del Fi Records, and numerous others. He returned to Lemoore and met with the group with the same message from all labels, "The tracks had no commercial value." The group became did not rehearse for two weeks and we began to wonder if The de-Fenders was good enough to play professionally. It was during this time period that Mike Wagner left the group due to his draft notice. He was soon followed by Bobby Cox. The de-Fenders now had only three members (Ken Valentine, Bob Virden, and myself). The de-Fenders found a new guitar player/vocalist named Jim Mellick (from Lemoore and later Hanford). The group was up to four members (Ken Valentine, Robert Virden, Jim Mellick, and myself) and would remain so for several months.
We began playing at high schools, parties, and local events. We initially played a lot of local gigs for free and then someone actually paid us. This first paid gig was probably more of an event for us than our first record. It was difficult to believe that individuals would actually pay us to play music. It sort of made it more special because we were all such good friends. None of us ever took what we were doing seriously. On the week-ends you could find The de-Fenders in my parents garage at 234 Champion Street or around the corner at my Aunt and Uncle's garage on Hamlet Street. To this day, I often wonder why the neighbors never turned us in to the local police for excessive noise.
We began to play all over and also became a recording band for various other vocal groups. The 1960's saw an explosion of musical groups. We traveled and backed up many groups and/or artists including Ian Whitcomb, Cannibal and The Headhunters, The Five Satins, Bobby Day, The Penguins, Dick and Dee Dee, Roddy Joy, Chuck Berry, The Uniques, The Isley Brothers, Frank J. Wilson, The Coasters, Dick Dale and The Del Tones, The Drifters, The Pyramids, Bobby Freeman, and numerous other groups. One of the coolest things is that we made friends with many groups while touring and many bands that had not yet recorded. I especially recall Jim Duvall and The Gaouchos (Fresno), Jim Waller and The Deltas (Fresno), The Charades Band (Tulare), The Spats (Bakersfield), The Roadrunners (Fresno), and The Stepping Stones (Tulare). The Gaouchos were a tremendous group out of Fresno that presented two drummers and great harmonies. The Deltas were probably my favorite with their style of "Oldies but Goodies."
One of my favorite memories occurred while backing up Chuck Berry. It was late 1964 and we were on a Melco Dance bill with Chuck Berry, The Isley Brothers, and The We Five. Chuck Berry was the last act to perform. Fifteen minutes prior to his time slot there was still no Chuck Berry. He finally arrived about five minutes prior to going on. Remember, that we did not have any time to rehearse any songs. Bob Virden approached Berry and asked, "Mr. Berry what songs do you want us to play?" Berry responded, "what do you mean boy - we are going to do Chuck Berry songs." And, with that he jumped out on the stage and began playing the intro to Johnny B Goode. We collectively said, "Oh Crap," and began following him through the beginning cord progressions. The night went well, but what an experience. I heard a recent interview with Bruce Springstein and he described the same sequence of events with our hero, Chuck Berry.
In late 1964 The de-Fenders signed with a Los Angeles talent agency named Coast Artists. It was Coast Artists decision to change the name of the group to The Brymers. The name is pronounced "Brimmers". Coast Artists CEO was an individual named Milton Doltch. I recall walking into his office with the other members and he was on the telephone with Ed Sullivan. Needless to say we were quite impressed. Coast Artists came up with the idea of shaving our heads for promotional purposes.
The talent agency and Diplomacy Records thought the audience would connect our shaven heads with Yul Brenner, the actor. Diplomacy and Coast Artists thought it would be a great publicity stunt to have our long hair shaved off in public. We were taken into Hollywood to an upscale salon. As the heads were being shaved the ordeal was being filmed and photographed by several magazines and television cameras. The result was four kids with baldheads and a band name no one could pronounce.
Through Melco Interprises we became associated with Al Verissimo (Tulare, California), Bill Silva (Diplomacy Records) and Chuck Segal (arranger) in the Los Angeles area. Our repertoire changed from a surf band to a more refined group with good harmonies and excellent arrangements. Diplomacy Records sent individuals to work with us on presenting a show and not just a concert of songs. The Ike and Tina Turner Review and James Brown were great influences. We saw them perform on numerous occasions and knew how an audience responded to a group presenting a "Review" or "Show" verses just music. Towards the end of The Brymers' as a group we had several different shows with numerous songs and medleys. It was drilled into us: "What occurs between songs is as important as the music itself." All shows were meticulously choreographed (comedy, words, harmony, and the music). We became very good at entertaining and it separated us apart from other white bands of the time. While on tour many different groups would ask, "Where did you guys learn that?"
After a time, the group transitioned into a tight four-piece band. We attempted to copy The Beau Brummels, Beatles, Byrds, Association, and Dave Clark Five. In March 1965, Coast Artists of Hollywood requested that we record a live set. The result was a live recording (one take) at the Bakersfield Civic Auditorium, Bakersfield, California. (This recording is included intact along with original introductions by bassist Robert Virden) The songs recorded were picked by Mel Simas, Coast Artists, and Diplomacy Records. Coast Artists wanted a varied playlist that reflected the group's versatility. Thus, pop, country, and commercial tunes were included. In late March, 1965, The Brymers entered "H and R" studios, Hollywood and recorded Only by Your Own (original), I Should Be Glad, Every Moment of the Day, and Hello Little Girl (a song written by Lennon and McCarthy, but never released in the U.S.). The group members were: Ken Valentine, Guitar/Sax/vocals; Jim Mellick, Lead Guitar/vocals, Bob Virden Bass Guitar/vocal; and Dick Lee, drums. A few weeks after the session, Ken Valentine left the group and was replaced with Ken Sinner (organ, sax, guitar, vocals, songwriter) from Porterville. Within three months, Bob Virden left the group and was replaced with a new bass player, Bill Brumley of Visalia. Both Bill and Kenny were talented versatile musicians and added a great deal to The Brymers. It was now 1966 and the group members were: Jim Mellick, Kenny Sinner, Bill Brumley, and myself.
In Oct. 1966, the group entered the studio once more and recorded the songs Sacrifice, I Want To Tell You, and backed up April Silva on Under My Thumb. Remember, that during 1966 there were minimal studio effects that could be used. Kenny Sinner came up with the idea of taking a small amp and placing a huge 15" speaker in it. During the recording of Sacrifice, Kenny purposefully overpowered his amp causing smoke and sparks to pour out of the back. He eventually blew it up which resulted in the distortion sound you hear in Sacrifice. The engineer ran out of the booth, tape running, and yelled, "You idiots are going to burn the studio down." Kenny responded, "Now that is the sound I was looking for." And, that sound is on the recording of Sacrifice. It should be noted that Kenny wrote both songs.
Bill Silva and Chuck Seagle both said they thought we had a hit with "I Want To Tell You." "Sacrifice" was looked upon as a "B" side filler. Silva (who owned Diplomacy Records) said that his label did not have enough clout so they shopped it out to other record companies. Mercury Records was interested in both tracks, but sent in a songwriter and asked us to lay down new lyrics for the vocal tract (I Want To Tell You) and rename the song. Since it was the middle of the Vietnam War, Mercury said we needed a protest song or war song. Therefore, new lyrics were recorded and the name of the song was changed to "Make Love Not War" on the Mercury label. The lyrics were rather lame but we re-recorded the song.
We never did get information from our managers or Coast Artists concerning the remake or distribution of "Make Love Not War." I have no idea if it was ever released. Diplomacy Records then released "I Want To Tell You" (the original recording) and "Sacrifice."
The Brymers became a working band with numerous gigs all over the west coast. Frequently after gigs in large cities, we would all head to after-hours black clubs. We probably learned more about entertainment than any record company could teach us. Many times we would be the only white faces in a black club in the wee hours of the morning. Racial prejudice was at its peak in the mid-'60's but musicians were colorblind. On numerous occasions, group members would be invited to sit in. Ken Sinner would be playing his late-'50's telecaster, there would be horns, and off we would go on "High Heel Sneakers" or "Stormy Monday Blues." We learned a lot about people, music, and the presentation of music.
In early, 1967, Jim Mellick left the group due to family responsibilities. Jim was replaced with a new lead guitar player and vocalist named Bobby Hollister form Visalia. Bobby had great presence, a tremendous voice, and looked a lot like Bobby Darin. Two of The Brymers' vocalists sounded just like Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley (The Righteous Brothers). One of our show tunes was "Turn On Your Love Lights." We featured Bobby Hollister (low base voice like Bill Medley) and Bill Brumley (high end of the harmony like Bobby Hatfield). Both individuals would be stage center and use one mike to sing a verse then toss it about 15 feet to the other to sing a verse. It was a great presentation to end a show with.
"I Want to Tell You" began to receive a lot of airplay around the country. As a result, we became more popular. After we recorded, we transitioned into touring and playing at universities and large concert halls. Coast Artists booked us numerous times in San Francisco at clubs such as The Condor Club (North Beach), Pierre's (North Beach), The Purple Onion (North Beach) and The Hilton's Tiger a Go Go. We were booked in Los Angeles into clubs such as P.J. s and The Thunderbird Hotel. We played numerous times in Sacramento at the Embers and The Trophy Room. The group traveled through Utah, Oregon, Washington, and California. We were featured on various TV shows from Los Angles to Utah.
The endless traveling, eating the same monotonous restaurant food, motel living, and poor money eventually led to the disbandment of The Brymers. The group members felt that Coast Artists and Diplomacy Records were making more money than we were at the time. Diplomacy Records and Coast Artists kept telling us, "Hang in there. Things will happen. You are going to make it." Nothing ever really materialized. It was early 1968 and The Brymers formally disbanded.
The Brymers' band members are all still active musicians - some more than others. Probably the most active is Kenny Sinner (kennysinner.com). Kenny is still recording CD's and has written over 400 songs. The man is still the master of the guitar, keyboards, sax, and percussion. Skinny (as he is know to all of us) resides with his wife in Porterville, California.
Jim Mellick (or, Sluggo as he is known to us) is still playing music part-time and works in the electronics field. It was Sluggo who repaired all the electronic gear, amps, and guitars while we were on the road. Jim is a great vocalist and lead guitar player. His voice often reminded me of Roy Orbison (especially on the cover tract of Pretty Woman). Sluggo resides in a small mountain community of Three Rivers, California.. On the week-ends, he plays music and follows his passion of traveling everywhere on his Harley.
Kenny Valentine is still playing music part-time and writing music everyday in his Sparks, Nevada home. Val (as he is known to the group) is the master of musicology. Kenny plays the guitar, sax, keyboards, and about any other instrument placed in front of him. Val is also a lead vocalist, sings great harmonies, and is a tremendous songwriter. Kenny works frequently as a consultant to musicians in the Reno area. He resides in Sparks with his lovely wife, Kathy.
Bill Brumley, resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife. Bill was the individual who provided the high end harmonies on The Brymers "Sacrifice" and "I Want To Tell You." Bill brought the blues and soul influence to The Brymers. He was once a member of the great Fresno group, "Hayward Lee and the Mauraders." Bill always reminded me of a Bobby Hatfield (The Righteous Brothers) or Timmy B. Smidtch (Eagles) with his soothing high voice. Bill was an excellent showman and front man.
Robert Virden (or, "The Thumb" as he was known to us) resides in Idaho with his wife Linda. Robert was know as The Thumb because he accidentally shot off his right thumb with a shotgun when he was a teenager living in Stratford. Remember, that this guy is a bass player without a thumb. Robert would hold a special pick between his index finger and four finger while he played. We would always kid Robert that he could never hitchhike going North since he did not have a right thumb. Robert was the bass man prior to Bill Brumley and was also an excellent vocalist.
Mike Wagner was with the de-Fenders (Pre-Brymers) and helped formed the group. Mike remains an excellent guitar player and resides in Visalia, California. Mike works part-time at a local school assisting with a class of students who have special needs.
Bobby Cox was also a member of The de-Fenders (Pre-Brymers) who played keyboards. It was Bobby you hear on the piano tracks of "More" and "Irritation." Numerous attempts have been made to contact "Bobby C., " but all have been unsuccessful. It is believed that he resides in the Fresno area.
Bobby Hollister was a lead vocalist/lead guitar player who replaced Jim Mellick. Bobby was a tremendous vocalist/front man who often reminded me of Bobby Darin in appearance and voice. When The Brymers were booked into an upscale club, it was Bobby who could perform songs such as "That's Life" and soul songs. Hollister along with Bill Brumley often perform show tunes by The Righteous Brothers. Bobby is another member who we have been unable to contact as of this writing.
As for myself (Dick Lee -drums), I was also one of the founding members and stayed with the group until its disbandment in late 1967. It was a tremendous ride in which all of us shared some precious memories and some embarrassing memories. I recently found a journal that I kept from 1963 through 1967 and many of the entries embarrassed me. I remain a part-time musician and reside in Eugene, Oregon where I continue to work as a practicing psychologist. Mike, Val, Skinny, Sluggo, The Thumb, Bobby C., Bobby H., and Bill - thank-you for being such great friends. You could never duplicate what we experienced together. You are my family.
It is difficult to talk about the experience in recording studios, cities, etc. with individuals who never experienced the life. It is something that I will never forget and it made a major impact on my life. The current fleeting ten seconds of attention to The Brymers is what it is: "10 Seconds of Brief Attention." Being older and more mature helps place recent events in proper perspective. My main goal is to get some form of recognition for The Brymers band members and especially Kenny Sinner (writer/vocalist and excellent musician). We have been and still are great friends. During the '60s all of us shared one belief: "Our friendship and The Brymers band was bigger than any one individual." October, 2006, was the first time I was made aware that Sacrifice was a garage favorite. As a result its popularity, group members (Jim Mellick, Ken Valentine, Kenny Sinner, Bill Brumley, Bob Virden, and myself) will be re-entering "Backtrack Studios" in California to record 10-15 originals (March - 2007). Many thanks to all of you who love the 60's garage sound and remember "Sacrifice."
If you enjoy Rock- n-Roll 60's music go to the web site: www.60sgaragebands.com and reserve a copy of The Brymers CD. It will be released by The 60sgaragebands.com record label in Chicago (mid April, 2007).
Dick Lee, March 2007